Which annual screening tests do you need?

A woman undergoes a mammography exam, a special type of X-ray of the breasts used to detect tumours, as part of a regular cancer prevention medical check-up. (Reuters/Jean-Paul Pelissier)

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommendations on a variety of screening tests. For more details and to create a personalized list, go to MyHealthfinder.

Blood pressure: Every two years for adults.

Cholesterol: Every five years for men older than 35, and anyone with risk factors or family history of heart disease. (Cholesterol testing is not necessary for women without an elevated risk of heart disease.)

Pap test: Every three years for women age 21 to 65 or, for women age 30 to 65, every five years if done with an HPV test.

Mammography: Women age 40 to 49 or with risk factors or family history should talk with their doctor for personalized recommendation. Every two years for women older than 50.

Colorectal cancer screening: Fecal occult blood test every year or colonoscopy every 10 years (age 50 and up).